Oct 08, 2009 -
Yesterday, the New York Times ran a piece on Michelle Obama's connection to slavery. Using old public records, fading photos, and recollections of older family members, the New York Times, along with genealogist Megan Smolenyak, uncovered details that fully connect the first lady to the history of slavery for the first time. While the piece was captivating, some worry that it was not appropriate.
- 21 Comments
Oct 07, 2009 -
The New York Times ran a captivating historical piece today about a six-year-old slave named Melvinia. The paper traces her family's five-generation journey from slavery to modern success.
It's a fascinating American story that just so happens to be part of first lady Michelle Obama's story, too.
- 13 Comments
Oct 05, 2009 -
Thanks to a reader with an issue (sorry, reader!), we have an awkward scenario requiring your advice. (Have some awkward tales of your own? Join our Awkward!
- 69 Comments
Oct 01, 2009 -
With marathon season winding down (NYC marathon is 11/1) there is an ongoing debate in the medical field over the effect the 26-mile race has on the heart. Some scientists are claiming that running a marathon causes long lasting damage to the heart, while others say the damage is only temporary and is brought on by the extreme physical demands of the race.
Last year studies were conducted in Australia, Canada, and Germany measuring the effect running a marathon had on the hearts of elite to novice runners.
- 19 Comments
Sep 22, 2009 -
- President Obama chatted about race and angry protesters last night with David Letterman, pointing out that he was "actually black before the election." — CBS
- World leaders will meet to discuss climate change this week at the UN. — BBC
- The number of foreign-born US residents has declined for the first time since 1970, as fewer immigrants come to America for job opportunities.
- 4 Comments
Sep 17, 2009 -
South Carolinian teen Candice Hardwick believes her freedom of speech was violated when school officials forced her to change her clothes and turn shirts inside out because they featured the Confederate emblem. Candice, whose state still flies the Confederate flag at the state house, was even suspended from her middle school for continuing to wear the controversial logo. A federal court ruled that the school district could prevent her from wearing the clothing, but now Candice is appealing the decision.
- 36 Comments
Sep 16, 2009 -
- Jimmy Carter says Rep. Joe Wilson's "you lie" outburst along with other angry opposition toward President Obama is based on racism. — MSNBC
- Lab technician Ray Clark is released after providing DNA samples to police in the murder case of Yale student Annie Le.
- 38 Comments
Sep 14, 2009 -
"Wilson’s shocking disrespect for the office of the president — no Democrat ever shouted 'liar' at W. when he was hawking a fake case for war in Iraq — convinced me: Some people just can’t believe a black man is president and will never accept it."
— New York Times op-ed columnist Maureen Dowd on Congressman from South Carolina Joe Wilson's shocking interjection of "You lie!"
- 36 Comments
Sep 11, 2009 -
Are kids color-blind? According to the new book NurtureShock, they aren't. It claims that children as young as six months judge other people based on the color of their skin.
- 4 Comments
Sep 08, 2009 -
Well-intentioned parents who want their kids to grow up in a colorblind world avoid discussing race. But a new study involving white families reveals that when parents keep quiet about skin color, young children will discriminate based on race.
The findings from the Children's Research Lab at the University of Texas are featured in this week's Newsweek.
- 12 Comments